Understanding 在 (zài) vs. 再 (zài) in Chinese Grammar在 (zài) and 再 (zài) are homophones, meaning they are pronounced the same but have different meanings and uses. Many Chinese learners struggle to use them correctly, but once you understand the core difference, they become easy to master.This guide will break down their meanings, functions, and common mistakes, so you can confidently use 在 (zài) and 再 (zài) in everyday conversations.在 (zài): Indicating Location or Ongoing ActionThe word 在 (zài)

Did you know that cultural knowledge plays an important role in the GCSE Chinese exam—especially in the reading, writing, and speaking sections?Whether you’re aiming for the Foundation or Higher Tier, demonstrating an understanding of Chinese culture will help you stand out, score higher, and communicate more authentically. In this blog, we’ll explore what the culture section covers, why it matters, and how to study effectively—even if you’ve never been to China.Why Is Culture Tested in GCSE Man

“I believe there is no age limit to study another language. Just keep dedicating yourself to learning and improving your Chinese, TutorABC will definitely help you achieve that goal.”Felipe, a 41-year-old project manager from Brazil, has been in Taiwan for 13 years and has fully embraced the local culture and connected with the community.Felipe came to Taiwan for work when he was 28 years old. “In 2010, I had the opportunity to be relocated to Taiwan, and I accepted. Initially, it was a three-ye

What Is the GCSE Chinese Exam? A Parent-Friendly GuideIf your child is learning Mandarin at school in the UK, chances are you’ve heard of the GCSE Chinese exam. But what exactly does it involve? How is it different from other language exams? And how can you support your child through it—even if you don’t speak Chinese yourself?Here’s a clear, parent-friendly guide to help you understand everything you need to know about GCSE Mandarin.What Is GCSE Chinese?GCSE Chinese is a formal qualification of

The AP Chinese Language and Culture exam is unique among AP tests. Why? Because it assesses all four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—in an integrated, computer-based format.If you want to score a 4 or 5, you’ll need more than just memorized phrases or grammar charts. You’ll need a strategic, section-by-section approach. In this AP Chinese skills guide, we’ll break down each section and how to master it.1. AP Chinese – Listening ComprehensionWhat’s tested:You’ll hear con

Thinking of taking the TOCFL exam in Taiwan? Whether you’re applying for a scholarship, a visa, or simply want to assess your Chinese proficiency, the TOCFL is an excellent choice—if you’re prepared.What Is the TOCFL?The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is Taiwan’s official Chinese proficiency exam. It follows CEFR standards (A1 to C1) and is divided into three broad bands:Band A: Levels 1 & 2 (Beginner)Band B: Levels 3 & 4 (Intermediate)Band C: Levels 5 & 6 (Advanced)You can also t

If you’re learning Chinese, chances are you’ve heard of two major language exams: TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) and HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). Both are designed to assess Chinese language proficiency—but they are not the same, and choosing the right one can impact your academic or career path.In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between TOCFL and HSK to help you decide which Chinese proficiency test is right for you.What Is TOCFL?TOCFL is Taiwan’s official Chin

Bubble tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēn zhū nǎi chá), originated from Taiwan is a chewy, creamy, sweet drink that has grown into a global pop culture phenomenon. Bubble tea shops are popping up in many western countries. But while bubble tea shops can now be found from New York to London, its heart and soul remain in Taiwan—where in 2025, it’s more than just a beverage: it’s a cultural icon.Let’s explore how bubble tea culture in Taiwan continues to shape youth identity, design, and lifestyle trends today.The Tr

Doing business in Chinese culture requires more than just a good product—it requires building a good relationship. Even if your Chinese isn’t fluent, learning Chinese business phrases can show respect, builds rapport, and can open more doors. Whether you’re leading a meeting or reviewing a contract, here are 10 essential phrases in business Chinese language every entrepreneur should know.1. 很高興認識您 / 很高兴认识您 (hěn gāo xìng rèn shì nín)“Nice to meet you.”Use this polite greeting to show respect and

Understanding Chinese business etiquette is essential for building lasting relationships and succeeding in a professional setting. Business culture in China values harmony, respect, and subtle communication—making it very different from Western approaches. If you’re planning on doing business in Chinese speaking countries, mastering these do’s and don’ts can give you a strong competitive advantage.DO: Start with Formal GreetingsFirst impressions matter. Always greet with a light handshake—not a

Teaching your child Chinese at home is one of the most valuable gifts you can give—but it’s not always easy. Many well-meaning parents run into common pitfalls that make the process frustrating or less effective. Don’t worry—these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.1. Starting Too LateMany parents wait until their child is “ready” to start learning Chinese. But research shows that children’s brains are most receptive to language in the early years. Even toddlers can benefit

In today’s globalized world, raising a bilingual child is more than just a trend—it’s a long-term investment in your child’s cognitive growth and future opportunities. Chinese (Mandarin), in particular, is one of the most valuable languages your child can learn. But how do you make Chinese learning both effective and enjoyable—especially if you’re not fluent yourself? In this guide, we’ll share practical, age-appropriate strategies that parents can use to support Chinese language learning at hom

According to Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education, below are the required skills and abilities for HSK 2 learners. ・Verbal communication abilities: Possesses basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Can engage in short communication on relatively familiar topics and accomplish simple social interactions. ・Topics and tasks: Topics include basic social interactions, family life, study schedules, shopping, dining, personal feeling

According to Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education, below are the required skills and abilities for HSK 1 learners.・Verbal communication abilities: Possesses preliminary listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Can engage in short or passive communication on familiar topics and accomplish basic social interactions.・Topics and tasks: Topics include personal information, daily life, diet, hobbies, etc. Can complete communicative tasks relate

“Nín hǎo and welcome to Grand Hotel! Would you like our signature tea service?” That isn’t something you’ll learn in a typical language class. But when it comes to hospitality excellence, TutorABC Chinese has you covered. Our expert team of native speakers and curriculum developers has designed specialized courses for the hotel industry to ensure your staff can deliver exceptional service to the growing Chinese tourism market.TutorABC Chinese prepares hospitality professionals from around the wo